Tots Carlos’s late resurgence steers Creamline for 6th win
Tots Carlos led the offense in the third set to usher Creamline to a 25-12, 25-21, 25-19 win against the gritty Nxled Chameleons, enabling them keep their record in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference unblemished.
Carlos posted 10 points, including four attacks in the crucial third set at the Philsports Arena, helping the Cool Smashers improve to a 6-10 win-loss record.
Creamline, who was just handed a special citation during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night on Monday night, dominated the winless Nxled in the first two sets, although the Chameleons mounted a comeback in that frame.
The Chameleons started the third set 15-11 as Lucille Almonte broke through the blockers to give her team a four-point lead, and Nxled capitalized on that vigor.
Creamline gradually cut the deficit, but Nxled took an 18-15 lead after Carlos made an attack error.
However, in the following sequence, the former University of the Philippines star made up for it by converting a kill from the other side to equalize the score at 18-all and set up a final run of 10-1.
Carlos completed a combination play before her net defense stopped May Luna’s attack from getting through as Alyssa Valdez found her rhythm and caught the line to put Creamline ahead 24-18.
The explosive opposite hitter sealed the victory with a powerful right-wing strike after Luna saved one match point.
Bernadeth Pons led the way for the Cool Smashers with 13 markers on top of 12 excellent digs, while Valdez added seven and Kyle Negrito registered 15 excellent sets.
Only five players scored for the Chameleons, with Jaycel delos Reyes top scoring with seven points. Lycha Ebon, May Luna, and Lucille Almonte each added six apiece.
The Cool Smashers will risk their perfect record against fellow powerhouse Cignal in their next match on Saturday, February 1, while the Chameleons will have an opportunity to enter the win column when they play against Galeries Tower on February 8.
